Indiana Casino News Source: http://www.courier-journal.com
Wednesday, June 7, 2006 E-mail this | Print page
UPDATE
lstedman@courier-journal.com
The Courier-Journal
INDIANAPOLIS — Harrah’s Entertainment wants to renovate the Caesars Indiana casino, expand its pavilion — and possibly add restaurants and entertainment options, a company executive said yesterday.
Plans to overhaul the Harrison County complex will likely become final and be released within six months, said Anthony Sanfilippo, president of Harrah’s Central Division.
He said the company also is considering whether to add a second tower to the casino’s hotel, which now has 500 rooms.
The gambling boat, however, would not be replaced.
“It is a wonderful vessel. The casino itself is a world class casino,” Sanfilippo said. “But this will include a remodeling and a new look.”
After the work is done, the company will rename the casino to be part of its Horseshoe brand.
J.R. Eckart, president of the Harrison County Board of Commissioners, said yesterday the project gives local companies a chance “to pick up business during the construction phase.”
And in the long run, “it’s good jobs. There is a good diversified work force there, and they provide a range of opportunities for people with varying skills,” he said.
Harrah’s purchased Caesars Entertainment and its 26 casinos last year.
Executives said then that it would likely do some expansion or renovations at Caesars Indiana, which was developed for about $400 million and includes 93,000 square feet of gambling space and a 170,000-square-foot pavilion. About 2,000 people work at the complex.
Sanfilippo said he knows local officials have been eager to learn about those plans but that it generally takes about two years to begin any major project.
He said the amount of the investment and the number of additional jobs will depend on the final scope of the project.
Also, yesterday, the Indiana Gaming Commission fined Caesars $16,500 for two violations of state rules.
Caesars was fined $15,000 for changing its turnstile system without notifying regulators.
It also was fined $1,500 for allowing a 20-year-old to board the casino to attend a private party.
|
|
World Casino Directory 
Gambling Forums 
